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Warning Signs

Yellow triangle hazard signs to BS EN ISO 7010. Electrical, chemical, slippery surface, traffic, water, and bespoke.

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UK warning signs: a complete guide

Yellow triangles are how UK workplaces communicate "be aware". Defined by BS EN ISO 7010, they cover roughly 30 standard hazard pictograms — physical (slippery, hot, sharp), electrical, chemical, biological, radiation, fire-related, and traffic.

When are warning signs legally required?

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require employers to display compliant warning signage where a residual risk exists after other controls are in place. Sector-specific rules layer on top: COSHH 2002 for hazardous substances, EAWR 1989 for electrical equipment, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and CDM 2015 for construction.

The standard warning pictograms

Common UK warning signs:

  • Physical: slippery surface, falling objects, low headroom, hot surface, sharp edges, deep water
  • Electrical: general electrical hazard, high voltage, lightning
  • Chemical: corrosive, toxic, oxidising, harmful, environmental hazard
  • Fire-related: flammable material, combustible dust
  • Traffic: forklift truck operating, vehicle movement, automatic start

Where to place warning signs

Warning signs go near the hazard, in line of sight before the hazard is reached. Mounting height typically 1.7-2.4m for standard interior placement. For permanent hazards (fixed machinery, high-voltage equipment) the sign is fixed to the equipment or its enclosure.

Common questions

Warning sign FAQs

What is a warning sign?

A warning sign is a yellow triangle with a black border and black pictogram, used to warn of hazards in UK workplaces. Under BS EN ISO 7010, warning signs alert people to a hazard they need to be aware of but are not prohibited from approaching — slippery surfaces, electrical hazards, hot surfaces, flammable materials, and similar.

What colour is a warning sign?

Warning signs are yellow with a black triangular border and a black pictogram. The yellow-and-black combination is one of the most universally recognised warning patterns. The triangle shape reinforces the meaning even when colour is unclear or partially obscured.

Are warning signs a legal requirement?

Warning signs are required where a hazard cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by other means, under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Sector-specific rules also apply: COSHH 2002 for chemicals, EAWR 1989 for electrical hazards, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for asbestos, and CDM 2015 for construction sites.

What sizes are warning signs available in?

Direct Signs supplies warning signs in 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, and 600mm equivalents. The right size depends on viewing distance — as a rule, sign height should be at least 1/200 of maximum viewing distance. Custom sizes available on request.

Can I get bespoke warning signs?

Yes. Bespoke warning signs combining the standard yellow triangle pictogram with custom wording, multi-language text, or specific regulatory references are available. Lead time typically 3-5 working days from artwork approval. Bulk orders qualify for trade pricing.

What materials are warning signs available in?

Self-adhesive vinyl (smooth indoor surfaces), rigid PVC / Foamex (general-purpose indoor and sheltered outdoor), aluminium composite (long-life outdoor), and aluminium (high-impact industrial environments). Match the material to the environment and expected lifespan.